If you drive an Audi and have noticed changes in its performance, it’s critical to have it addressed right away. The longer issues continue, the more damage they can inflict upon your engine. Audi cars are designed to perform to a high standard, and when they encounter problems it can be devastating to those who have become accustomed to their excellence. One issue that Audi drivers may experience is vacuum leaks.

Vacuum leaks in your Audi will affect your engine’s efficiency, and it also affects other systems in your car like the brakes, HVAC, the EGR valve, and other critical engine components. It’s important to pay attention to any slight differences in your Audi’s functioning that can prevent further damage to your Audi’s engine and wrack up an expensive repair bill. In this article, we’ll go over the most common signs of a vacuum leak, the likely causes of the leak, and what you can do in the future to prevent leaks from occurring.

Symptoms of a Vacuum Leak

The earlier you can spot the signs of a leak, the less severe the repairs will be. When a vehicle drives with a malfunctioning vacuum system that is encountering a leak, it can be extremely dangerous—especially at high speeds. These are the most common signs of a vacuum leak documented by Audi drivers:

Hissing Noises

When a balloon has a leak in it, you hear a slight hissing noise as the air releases. The same is true of vacuum lines that are leaking. As they release air, you may notice a hissing sound coming from your engine. This sound indicates a leaking vacuum line that must be replaced immediately.

Diminished Power

For Audi drivers, this is one of the most disappointing symptoms to experience, and also the most dangerous. If you notice that your car can’t accelerate as it usually does and seems to have lost power, the issue could be related to a vacuum system leak. However, it’s important to have a differential diagnosis performed to rule-out other possible causes.

Check-Engine Light

The check-engine light could come on for many reasons; it’s not until you bring your car to an Audi specialist for a diagnostic procedure that the exact reason can be discovered. The check-engine light emits a code that only a professional automotive technician can read with the proper equipment. Among other issues, it’s typical for the check-engine light to illuminate when your vacuum system is failing.

Lowered Fuel Economy

Along with decreased engine power, you will also likely notice lowered fuel efficiency in your Audi. While the car won’t travel far with leaking vacuum lines, depending on the damage it might take some time to drain the air all the way out. Again, lowered fuel economy could also be due to other problems, so a differential diagnosis is critical.

Probable Causes of Vacuum Leaks

A leaking vacuum system could be traced back to many different sources, but is usually due to damaged or cracked vacuum lines that wear over time. Other parts involved in the vacuum system like seals and valves can also encounter leaks. It is essential to hire an automotive shop that specializes in Audi vehicles in order to accurately locate the origin of the problem, and therefore save you money in expensive, experimental repairs. Audi’s require, and deserve, care and treatment that will keep them running to the standards that the brand intended.

Why It’s Important to Fix a Vacuum Leak Immediately

Following through with diagnosis and treatment for a vacuum leak after noticing concerning signs in your Audi is important in order to retain its value, longevity, and maintain your safety while driving it. Here at Dell’s Service Center, we provide first-time accurate diagnostic procedures for European imports like Audi that spare drivers the inconvenience of a leaking vacuum system and the associated symptoms. Specializing in Audis for decades, we have continued to evolve our methods of repair and maintenance along with the brand’s updates and modifications over time. Serving the communities of Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI, our professional team provides family-friendly services at an affordable cost. We are Green Bay’s designated dealership alternative, and we’re proud to serve you and your family for future generations.